Rationale:
Reading
expression is one of the four factors needed to become a more fluent
reader. This lesson emphasizes the importance of reading
expressively and
it shows how changes in voice can show different kinds of
expression.

Materials:

Book: No
David! (big book)

Variety
of primary books for
the class to choose from (examples: “Mighty
Spiders” ,
“What is Blue?”

“Today class we are going to
learn how to make our stories come alive with expression! This
just means that sometimes we like to read certain stories with a
different tone of voice. Sometimes we read very loudly because we
are excited! Or very softly because we are scared or sad….”

Write a few sentences on the
board, could include: Get out!, I am
sick., Reading
is so fun!... Read the first sentence to model how to read
expressively. “Because there is an exclamation point, you need to
raise your voice to show that you are angry or upset” Also, stress that
when you are reading a book with expression, it is very important to
reread if you come to a word you don’t know in the sentence.
Story expression will sound best if you are fluent with your reading.

Let the class read the next few
sentences using expression if needed. After reading, come to the
carpet to read No David! As a class. “I want
everyone to really listen to how my voice changes with each new
sentence. Reading
with expression will be your stories come alive!”

After reading together, have
the children pick a story they would like to go back to their seats and
read. Children will have the opportunity to read for 5-7 minutes.
“I want everyone to really practice using expression while reading your
book. When you come to a sentence that you read with great
expression, write it down so you can share with the class.” Students
will share their sentences with the class, while reading with their
best expression.

For assessment I will have each
child read to me individually David Goes to School. I
will be taking notes on whether not they have mastered using expression
while reading. I will have them read three times to see if their
expression improves using a checklist as they read.